‘Scarecrows’ Film Offers Rare Glimpse Inside Riga Airport Operations

Riga Airport’s behind-the-scenes operations, typically hidden from public view, are brought to the forefront in the new documentary “Scarecrows” (Putnubiedēkļi), directed by acclaimed Latvian filmmaker Laila Pakalniņa. The film premiered nationally on February 27, 2026, and is nominated in four categories at the Latvian National Film Awards [Nacionālais kino centrs].

An “Airport Western”

Produced by VFS Films, “Scarecrows” has been described as an “airport western,” offering a visually striking exploration of the operate of the airport’s wildlife control specialists – often referred to as “runway rangers.” [Moodie Davitt Report] The film focuses on the daily challenges of managing wildlife encounters on the runways to ensure safe flight operations.

Mareks Arbidāns: The “Scarecrow”

The documentary provides a unique perspective through the eyes of Mareks Arbidāns, Riga Airport’s Wildlife Control Officer. Arbidāns’s role involves deterring birds, rodents, and other animals from the runway, as even a single bird entering an engine can pose a significant safety risk. [LSM English] He and his team of five are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for aircraft takeoffs and landings. [Moodie Davitt Report]

Filmed Over Five Years

“Scarecrows” was filmed over five years, capturing the changing seasons and the paradoxical environment where urban infrastructure meets the natural world. [RIX Riga Airport] The film incorporates both professional cinematography by Māris Maskalāns and footage captured on Arbidāns’s mobile phone, offering an intimate and authentic look at the airport’s hidden operations. [RIX Riga Airport]

A Meditation on Coexistence

Director Laila Pakalniņa describes the film as a search for the “heart” of the airport, finding a “poem” within its operations. [Moodie Davitt Report] Beyond its focus on aviation safety, “Scarecrows” is presented as a visually striking meditation on coexistence, acknowledging the challenges of separating human activity from the natural world. [RIX Riga Airport]

Relevance for Aviation and General Audiences

The film is recommended viewing for those in the aviation community, offering insight into wildlife hazard management. It also aims to appeal to a broader audience, prompting reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment. [Moodie Davitt Report]